The New Zealand Government has given an initial package of about $684,798 to help with the immediate relief efforts in Fiji following the devastation left behind by Tropical Cyclone Evan.
These emergency relief supplies, which were delivered to the National Disaster Management office, include 100 tarpaulins, 1,000 water containers, four generators, and six chainsaw kits worth $56,573.
In response to specific requests from Fiji authorities and local organizations, there was an allocation of $74, 438. An initial pledge of $30,000 has been made to the NDM office to assist with logistics and at the same time they are awaiting details of priorities for the $30,000.
There will be $250,000 as contribution to the Fiji Red Cross to help purchase necessary supplies and replenish supplies.
$297,000 will be for New Zealand-based NGOs, Rotary and the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) that have prepositioned supplies in Fiji. In addition, DISMAC has been provided with a New Zealand Air Force P3 Orion to carry out aerial assessments.
Ministry of Provincial Development and Disaster Management permanent secretary, Mr Filipe Alifereti said the Fijian Government was grateful to its New Zealand counterpart for its assistance “in our time of need”.
Foreign Affairs Minister Mr Murray McCully has just announced an additional $2.9million for response and recovery works in Fiji.
There are no specifics on how this funding will be allocated, but allocation for assistance will be targeted at priority areas.
-Ends-